When you are hiring a scaffolding company, one of the most important things to check is whether their operatives hold a CISRS card. Here is what CISRS is, what the different card levels mean, and why it should matter to you as a customer.
What does CISRS stand for?
CISRS stands for the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme. It is the UK industry body that sets training and competency standards for scaffolding operatives. The scheme is backed by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and is recognised by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).
Scaffolders who hold a CISRS card have completed formal training, passed assessments, and demonstrated that they can erect and dismantle scaffold safely and to the correct standards. Without this, there is no guarantee that the person putting up scaffold on your property knows what they are doing.
What are the CISRS card levels?
Trainee Scaffolder
Red cardEntry-level operatives who can work only under direct supervision of a qualified scaffolder.
Scaffolder
Blue cardFully qualified scaffolders who can erect standard scaffolding independently. This is the level you want on any domestic job.
Advanced Scaffolder
Gold cardQualified to design and erect more complex scaffold systems. Required for heritage, industrial, and large commercial work.
Scaffold Manager
Black cardSenior level with management and supervisory responsibilities for larger sites.
Why does it matter for you as a homeowner?
Improperly erected scaffolding is dangerous, not just to the workers on it, but to anyone passing underneath or living in the property. There are several practical reasons why CISRS matters:
- +Insurance implications: if unqualified workers erect scaffold on your property, your home insurance may not cover any resulting damage or injury
- +Structural risk: incorrectly loaded or tied scaffold can collapse or damage your building
- +Liability: if a member of the public is injured, you as the property owner could be held partially liable if you hired an unqualified contractor
- +Quality of work: CISRS-trained scaffolders erect scaffold to the correct standard, meaning the scaffold is stable and safe for roofers, painters, or anyone else using it
Questions to ask before you hire a scaffolding company
- ?Are all your operatives CISRS certified? (Ask to see a card if in doubt)
- ?Are you a member of NASC or CISRS approved?
- ?Do you carry public liability insurance, and how much cover?
- ?Will you provide a written risk assessment and method statement for larger jobs?
- ?Can I see an example of a written quote to check what is included?
At SwanDor, all of our scaffolding operatives hold current CISRS cards, and we carry £10m public liability insurance. We are always happy to confirm this in writing before you commit to any work.
Need a CISRS-certified scaffolding company in Dorset?
Free quotes, fully certified team, fully insured.